The Netherlands has a much lower unemployment rate than Poland. High wages combined with an unaffordable cost of living and a well-developed welfare system (for the unemployed, among others) are in favor of seeking employment there. Today we suggest how to get started in the Netherlands.
With or without language?
Those considering a trip to the Netherlands should assess their earning potential in terms of language skills. Dutch is rare in Polish schools, so few Poles know even the basics.
Seasonal work in the Netherlands without language is possible. However, such employment is recommended primarily for people who want to help the household budget, earn money during the vacations to support their studies or put aside money for a larger purchase. When you are serious about tying your career to the Netherlands, completing a course and learning the language is a must.
Without language skills, employment can be found primarily:
- in horticulture,
- On production,
- When handling warehouses,
- In retail (stacking goods on shelves),
- in catering.
Take advantage of the employment agency’s offer
A proven way to start legal employment in the Netherlands is to sign a contract with a Polish recruitment agency that works with Dutch employers. In this way, finding legal work in the Netherlands right away will not be a problem. However, it is worth choosing proven intermediaries (those with business operations and certified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy).
A good placement agency in its database has numerous offers for both people with and without basic Dutch. The intermediary will take care of the contract with the Dutch employer, produce the Sofi number needed to settle taxes with the Dutch tax authorities. Often in the advertisements of large agencies you can find work in the Netherlands immediately with accommodation.
How about on your own?
People who know the basics of j. Dutch can go to work for the Netherlands on their own, allowing them more flexibility in their search for attractive employment.
It is worth knowing that the country has a well-developed network of institutions that deal with job placement. The Labor and Income Center (CWI), which registers the unemployed, will be helpful in finding employment opportunities for them and arranging interviews for them.
Poles can easily register with the CWI (they just need to have a Sofi number).
